Tennessee football: Vols, SEC and Top 25 predictions for Week 5 of 2018

ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 15: A general view of Sanford Stadium during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores on October 15, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - OCTOBER 15: A general view of Sanford Stadium during the game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Vanderbilt Commodores on October 15, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images /

South Carolina Gamecocks at No. 17 Kentucky Wildcats

Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. E.T.; Kroger Field; Lexington, Ky.

TV: SEC Network; Line: Kentucky -1; Over/Under: 51.5

Caleb Calhoun

On paper, everything screams that the Kentucky Wildcats should win. They are undefeated, are playing at home, and have won four straight against this team. Tennessee football would just like to beat one of these guys. However, at the same time, this game screams for one of those classic SEC upsets that have no science behind them. Heck, Will Muschamp’s team just did that to the Vanderbilt Commodores.

So what happens here? Well, my money for sure is on the under. Kentucky’s defense has played lights out since their opener, and South Carolina has defense as an identity under Muschamp. So in a low-scoring affair, I’ve got my money on the best offensive player out there, Benny Snell Jr., to make the difference at home. Kentucky pulls out an ugly one.

Kentucky: 17 South Carolina: 13 (Kentucky -1; Under 51.5)

Garrett Sanders

Kentucky has dominated this series against the Gamecocks over the past few years. Add to the fact that this team is getting massive media exposure; it’s safe to say expectations are higher than ever in Lexington. Benny Snell is proving that he could be a dark horse for the Heisman with the numbers he is putting up week by week.

South Carolina’s defense must come up with an answer to stop him. Will Muschamp will have a game plan to figure something out. Ultimately, however, Kentucky is going to find a way to play ball control and keep the ball out of South Carolina's hands and do enough to come out with a huge victory.

Kentucky: 28 South Carolina: 17 (Kentucky -1; Under 51.5)

Billy Williford

I said last week that I am actually looking forward to watching the game. Don’t look now but if Kentucky can beat South Carolina, they are in the driver seat for a second-place finish in the SEC East. I know, it just doesn’t make sense, does it?

So far this season, the Cats have looked for real. Benny Snell is having himself a year and could be the best running back in the SEC. So far this season he has had 87 rushing attempts for 540 yards and seven touchdowns.

However, I am going with the Gamecocks. If they can slow down Snell, their offense is more balanced and should lead them to a win.

South Carolina: 27 Kentucky: 23 (South Carolina +1; Under 51.5)